Wednesday, July 28, 2010

This week has been a lazy week. Two days, I worked from home and was determined to stay in my PJ's the entire time. This was one of the first times I worked from home while my husband was at work, so our little place was quiet and still. I discovered a couple of things during my time on the couch in front of the computer.

1. There's nothing good on TV during the summer.
2. Oreo's are an acceptable lunch.
3. My creative fuel can indeed run out. I need to refuel.
4. My walls are naked.

With that to say, I have been on a home-sweet-home kick for a couple weeks now. Upon request, I am going to share with you some romantic, delicate, and graphical bedding to cozy up your bedroom!

Bedding can set the stage for a beautiful room. Don't worry so much about making things matchy-matchy. Try adding some throw pillows from Target or Ross! Get a completely different graphical sheet set for a surprise when you turn in for the night.

Check back soon for a variety of beautiful art pieces to display in your space or to give as a thoughtful gift to a loved one!

Friday, July 23, 2010

I looked at the calendar today, while scheduling out my week, and realized that summer is coming to a quick end. It also hit me that, unlike the four summers before, I will not be returning to beautiful Berry College to take part in the community and amazing fall colors. But to be honest...I have never felt more free, creative, and inspired. Even though I greatly adored my college experience, I really feel like everything is just beginning.

As I confessed in my earlier entry, I am in a nesting//decorating craze. I can only budget so much a month for our home (go Dave Ramsey!) and I have found myself holding onto this small amount with dear life -- just crossing my fingers that a perfect coffee table would drop out of the sky for a steal. My home wish list is way too long, and that's only accounting for the living room! I need to set my priorities: coffee table first. And now, to find a coffee table. An inexpensive, unique, fairly large, coffee table. This might take awhile. I'll have to get back to you on that.

For now, as a tribute to those going back to college or perhaps those in the same nesting dilemma as myself, here are eight cute things for your home-sweet-dorm//home//apartment.

5// Meet Zeno! Zeno the Owl by Contemori - $23.00 Etsy6// I don't know about you but I love a good thrift store find. It is amazing what some paint and new hardware can do to a side table. Zinna Knob - $6.00 Anthropologie7// Everyone needs a place to throw their keys, phone, change, jewelry, and all those little extras. Why not make it vintage chic? Vintage Scroll Vanity Catchall - $18.00 Urban Outfitters8// Nothing can beat a good set of hooks in a small space. I love using these to put my colored scarfs on. It is convenient and it adds color to the room. Birds on a Branch Hook - $18.00 Urban Outfitters

Well, there you have it! Eight items for your little place. I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend. More inspiration and creative ideas to come soon! The Wallace family is off to Alabama for double date night and a drive-in.

Monday, July 19, 2010

This weekend, I have been in a fury of creative thinking. I met with a dear friend to discuss our dreams and plans for starting up our business. We poured through design magazines and home magazines. I also spent a great deal of time collecting ideas and gathering funds to get my home-sweet-apartment in shape. I now have a plan of action. I usually dabble in a room here and there and the more I dabble, the less any room gets complete. So now, I am going to discipline myself and complete one room at a time. My first two? The kitchen (which is mostly finished) and the living room.

I have made my list of items and projects I need to scout for and complete. Once I make a budget, I am hitting the thrift store, Ikea, Ross, TJ Max, Target, and anything else that is sure to give me a good bargain.

One thing I would love to incorporate in my home is artwork. I think a nicely matted series of paintings from different artists in different rooms would really give our home a unique and inspiring touch. My sweet sister actually came across some darling artwork on Etsy by Nan Lawson.

If you are looking for great pieces to brighten up your room, whether it is a dorm room or home, definitely make sure you scope out artists on Etsy.

Also note: I am currently making pieces for my upcoming Etsy shop. Be on the lookout for MaieDae Handmades coming soon!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

I absolutely love creative resources; anything from web sites, magazines, conferences, software, and especially books. A big part of being creative and growing in your strengths is to continually find and utilize resources that challenge and grow you towards new things or within the specialties you already possess. I am always on the lookout for a great creative book resource. These three featured books are amazing to help you get started on a new project, maintain a current one, or try something you have always wanted to do.

Indie Publishing: How to Design and Produce Your Own Book ---> I almost peed my pants when I came across this book in one of my Communication Arts magazines. I have been developing a book project in my mind for some time now, but I never really knew a good way to go about designing, writing, and distributing the book. The idea of indie publishing is becoming very popular amidst other more established forms of indie media such as music, film, and theater. This book is a practical guide, regardless of your background and skill set, to creating and distributing printed books.

Craft, Inc: Turn Your Creative Hobby Into a Business ---> Ever since I was little, I was always looking for a way to have my own business. Actually, my first official business as an eleven year old was called "Critter Sitters". I babysat the neighborhood animals while their owners were out of town. My friend and I made fliers, paperwork, questionnaires, and schedules. We even set up a little office in her basement with a telephone. To this day, I am constantly in the mindset of developing my own business. Right now, as a matter of fact, I am developing inventory for a future Etsy shop as well as preparing to develop a legal business with my design work. This book is an amazing tool for entrepreneurial crafters. It offers step-by-step guides to developing products, naming your company, writing a business plan, applying for a licenses, paying taxes, and marketing. This book offers practical advice to help you become successful. Coming from a Visual Communication background, I do not have much experience in the business side of things so this has been a great tool to get me on my feet with my dreams of starting a business.

Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects ---> I have a small amount of sewing experience. I had a hand sewing book kit when I was little and remember making a precious little strawberry pin cushion. But recently, I have inherited an old sewing machine from the seventies and I have been dying to put it to good use. I would have to say that I have beginner's experience using a sewing machine, even though I took a class my senior year of college. I received this book for Christmas and I just love the simple sewing patterns and ideas for making practical and cute things. There are patterns and great step-by-step directions for tote bags, smart aprons, chic bed linens, and tons of other things to get your experience going in sewing.

Friday, July 09, 2010

Lately, the iPhone and I have had some difficulties. During the last semester of my senior year of college, my friend and I were in a deep and somewhat emotional conversation, my iPhone just couldn't take it anymore and took a leap of death onto the cement below my rocking chair. It only fell two feet, but hit it's sweet spot, and I watched as it cracked in slow motion. After trying to get the front replaced, my iPhone passed away and I have been using a dependable, but extremely frustrating little Samsung. I have to admit, the transition was hard. I love having all my resources at my fingertips. I love being creative whenever possible and my iPhone was actually a useful tool in order to accomplish some of my creative goals and projects.

To make a long story short, I have been in the process of getting my hands on the new iPhone 4. I have to admit, I am insanely excited. This time however, I am going to take extra precautions to protect it. While scavenging through Etsy during the weekend, I came across the House of tnt and just loved her sweet and vintage inspired handmade iPhone cases. They are completely affordable and she is able to make custom orders as well.

I just think these little sleeves are precious! Now to decide between them! Also note: I am currently working on building up my inventory for my new Etsy shop! Be on the lookout for a sneak peak at my products by the end of the month!

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Since I have had the day off to relax and catch up on dusted over "To-Do's", I have been searching around home-shopping corners of the internet in order to continue nesting my little place. I have been wanting to put up some artwork that is unique and colorful. I ran across these little beauties on Urban Outfitters' new sponsored artist community: Society6. Society6 is an international artist community representing more than 80 countries worldwide.

You can choose to have these beautiful prints printed on gallery quality canvas, iphone skins, or laptop skins and they are very affordable.

Monday, July 05, 2010

Happy 4th of July weekend to everyone! After celebrating my younger brother's 18th birthday and spending time with family, Jon and I have been taking time to continue settling into our new little home. It's hard to believe we have almost been married for two months. While thinking about my next feature item, I thought it would be perfect for this reminiscent time to take a look at one of my favorite Etsy shop's, Foundling.

I remember taking so much time to find the perfect necklace to wear on my wedding day. I knew I wanted it to be sweet and delicate and a unique feature in and of itself. I first discovered Foundling's beautiful handmade jewelry in Tennessee at an arts festival and later remembered it when I was searching for my necklace. I ended up purchasing the "Darling" necklace (featured below) for my wedding day and absolutely loved it.

Friday, July 02, 2010

To toast the beginning of July, the heat of summer, the beginning of MaieDae, and a five day weekend, my first blog entry will feature Picnik.

Picnik is an incredible resource for free and easy online photo editing. The great thing about it is that you have tons of options to really make your photos look unique and you do not have to be an expert in Photoshop in order to achieve a fantastic, creative look.